Welcome to Gutter Thoughts, where I share insights into my creative process and philosophy each week. From exploring big ideas to finding inspiration in comics, books, shows, and movies, this space is all about staying creative and grounded.
Weekly Creative Focus
Whether diving into creative work or spending time learning and reflecting, here’s what’s been on the mind and plate this week.
Keeping the Dream Alive
Every dream worth pursuing will face resistance, but the choice to act keeps it alive.
When I was a senior in high school, my religion class (yes, religion class) screened Gladiator. Before the movie began, my teacher gave us a simple but profound challenge: “Nothing is ever as it seems. Look for the deeper messages within the story.” That advice stuck with me, and it’s stayed in the back of my mind ever since.
Years later, watching Gladiator 2, I was struck by its timeless themes—dreams, resistance, and legacy.
Yes, evil forces always seem to push through, but the good we do echoes in unexpected ways. The choices of those who came before us live on in us today, shaping how we dream, create, and overcome.
As creators, our task is clear: we must harness the forces of good to push the dream forward. Through our art, we keep those dreams alive and inspire others to do the same.
Let’s explore how Gladiator 2 reminds us of this calling.
Humans Will Continue to Human
No matter the era, humans have always been driven by the same struggles, desires, and conflicts.
Watching Gladiator 2, I couldn’t help but notice how much ancient Rome mirrored our modern world. The city was a bustling metropolis, brimming with power dynamics, political rivalries, and the divide between rich and poor. People sought entertainment in the arena, graffiti decorated the walls, and life, in all its messy humanity, went on.
It reminded me of this:
No matter how far back you look, humans have always faced similar struggles. The only difference is in how we deal with them. Marcus Aurelius, Rome’s philosopher-emperor, captured this perfectly:
"The body and its parts are a river, the soul a dream and mist, life is warfare and a journey far from home, lasting reputation is oblivion.
Then what can guide us?
Only philosophy."
Marcus understood that life is fleeting, unpredictable, and full of challenges. Yet, we find meaning through a conscious effort to evolve, grow, and dream.
But dreaming isn’t enough. Once you commit to a goal, you’ll meet resistance.
Be Ready to Face Resistance
Your dream will be tested—stay grounded in your values.
In Gladiator 2, Lucius had one driving purpose: to avenge the life that was taken from him. This singular focus brought two things into his life: allies who helped make his dream possible and resistance threatening to crush it. Time and again, he faced the temptation to compromise his values, and though he stumbled, he stayed true to his purpose.
Resistance is a universal truth for anyone striving to grow or create. Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art defines it perfectly:
"Any act that rejects immediate gratification in favor of long-term growth, health, or integrity…will elicit Resistance."
Resistance can take many forms—self-doubt, distractions, or external obstacles. But when you stick to your values and stay focused, forces for good will rise to meet you, just as resistance does. Your dream deserves that fight.
Creating and Sharing Art Moves the Dream Forward
“What we do in life echoes in eternity.”
This line from Gladiator left a deep mark on me as a teenager. At the time, I believed it spoke of the afterlife, but as I’ve grown more agnostic, its meaning has shifted. Maximus wasn’t concerned with a distant future—he was focused on the present. His actions created ripples that outlived him.
This resonates deeply with art and creativity. Our dreams remain just that—dreams—unless we share them. Creating and sharing your art ensures that your ideas, values, and vision live on, inspiring others to pursue their own.
In Gladiator 2, Marcus Aurelius's dream and Maximus's triumphs live on through those who carry them forward. Lucius could have stayed in his cell, paralyzed by fear and resistance, but he chose action—to keep the dream alive.
So in Closing, Remember:
Know your dream. Prepare for resistance. Share your art.
Because when you do, your creativity echoes far beyond your time, inspiring others to act on their dreams, too.
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This Week’s Creative Sparks
Here are the shows, books, movies, comics, and more that have sparked my creativity this week:
Video Game: Marvel Rivals - Official ‘Til The End’ Launch Trailer
Marvel has been steadily building hype for Marvel Rivals, and every new trailer has raised the bar. Last week, they dropped a brilliant anime-style intro for their final launch trailer, and I loved everything about it. The game officially launched today, December 6. While it might be a while before I play it, I’m excited to check it out. Even if you have no plans to play the game, I highly recommend watching the trailer—it’s a masterclass in execution.
Video Game: Ananta Announce Trailer
I have no idea where this game came from—it seems to have appeared out of nowhere. But the stunning visuals, intriguing (and vague) story, and open-world setting instantly grabbed my attention. Plus, it looks hella weird in the best way possible. It’s hitting all the right notes of inspiration for me: action, adventure, and humor. I’m excited to learn more about it and will keep you updated as I dive in further.
Book: The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
I’m halfway through The Unbroken by C.L. Clark, and it’s one of those books that’s almost impossible to put down. It’s not just the gripping story—it’s the way it dives into deep questions about society and what it truly means to be free. I’ve been so inspired that I’ve found myself highlighting passages and jotting down thoughts as I read. If you’re looking for a book that sparks your imagination while challenging your perspective, this one’s worth picking up.
Comic of the Week
Justice League Unlimited
Writer: Mark Waid | Penciler: Dan Mora
I just finished the highly anticipated Justice League Unlimited from DC Comics, and it delivered. If you were a fan of the iconic animated series, you’ll feel right at home. And even if you’ve never seen it, this comic has plenty to offer.
I’ll admit it took me a while to get into it, but the second half completely paid off. The story gave me a reason to care about this new phase of the Justice League, and by the end, I was eagerly waiting for the next issue.
I’ve been burned before by overhyped premiere books, but this one feels different. DC Comics seems to have a clear vision for their upcoming stories, and I’m excited to see where they’re headed.
This is the perfect starting point if you’re ready to dive back into the DC Comics mythos. Give it a try!
If you want to read Justice League Unlimited you can grab your copy here from Midtown Comics and your digital copy here.
The Stoic Quote of the Week
A Stoic quote to inspire and motivate, helping to stay grounded in the creative process.
Concentrate every minute like a Roman—like a man—on doing what’s in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness, tenderly, willingly, with justice. And on freeing yourself from all other distractions. Yes, you can—if you do everything as if it were the last thing you were doing in your life, and stop being aimless, stop letting your emotions override what your mind tells you, stop being hypocritical, self-centered, irritable. You see how few things you have to do to live a satisfying and reverent life? If you can manage this, that’s all even the gods can ask of you.”
—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
Even in ancient Rome, distractions pulled people away from what mattered most, which is why Marcus Aurelius urges us to concentrate “like a Roman”—fully focused, sincere, and disciplined.
He reminds us that a meaningful life isn’t about doing more but about doing what’s in front of us with care and intention, as if it were our last act.
This week, eliminate distractions and bring the focus of a Roman soldier to your daily tasks—you’ll find it’s all the gods and life itself could ever ask of you.
Ready to sharpen your focus and master your creative journey?
Dive deeper into how eliminating distractions can supercharge your creativity and help you stay on track. Check out my article: Master Your Creative Journey by Focusing on What Matters.
That’s a wrap for this week’s Gutter Thoughts. Thanks for joining me on this creative journey—hopefully, something here sparked an idea or inspired your own work. Until next time, stay grounded, stay creative, and keep pushing forward.
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